How long does it take to drive to Flagstaff? I don't drive so I don't know. It took me 9 days to bicycle to Flagstaff from Tucson in April 14-23 this spring. Flagstaff is out of the Desert. Hike the San Francisco Peaks (highest point in AZ) 12,636'.

San Francisco Peaks

This map shows the trail to the top of Humphreys.

From Mt Humphreys the Bill Willams Mountains 40 miles away to the west.

Another area to consider is the area around Reserve N.M. The western edge of the Gila Wilderness. Hike the San Francisco River south from Reserve or about 3 miles south turn and go up the Negrito River and go for miles upstream. This area is rich in Indian ruins and pottery shards in the rivers, layers of conglomerant and volcanic ash.

There are beaver, Mexican wolves,elk,deer, turkey,mountain lions and black bears.